Patience; the new endurance sport.

The tendon, deep in my thigh has been really giving me trouble. It's not bad with Ibuprofen, but it takes me 2 miles to warm it up to where I can run with any normal form. I ran the Cliff Walk trail behind the mansions in Newport. It's a beautiful walking trail, about 40 feet above the ocean, along the back side of the huge mansions owned by the Vanderbuilt's, Astors, Sinclair's, etc. It's gets a little rough running the trail because a few miles in the trail turns to trail/rocks. But the whole thing is along the ocean. So it's beautiful. I always have these amazing conversations along those runs with my East coast running friends. I ran so carefully, and only did a few miles (10 m/m). I hope the running gods are appeased by my 'taking it easy' so I don't further aggravte the injury. I'm worried about it.

I got a great night sleep, and got up at 6:00 a.m. for my last run in Newport, RI.  The day was crystal clear.  The water in Newport is sooooo blue on those clear days.  And when the sun rises, the ocean literally sparkles like diamonds/saphires. I know that sounds corney.  The expanse of ocean from those cliffs is so beautiful against the blue horizon with a few sail boats in the distance, and sufers floating near the shore. I love the sound of the ocean from above.  It is such a spectacular run. I spent time this morning noticing the amazing landscaping of those gynormous mansion grounds.  I ran my 5 miles averageing 8:30 m/m (I had taken ibuprofen before the run and comitted to taking it the rest of the day).  But I've reduced the mileage by half hoping to not further aggravate this tendon in my thigh.  After my run, my good friend met me at the beach for a swim and taught me to use his paddleboard (like a really big surfboard you stand on, and paddle with an orr kind of like a kayak orr).  It was a beautiful last morning in Newport.  I have seared the vision/memory of those blue, clear ocean meets sky mornings into my mind so I can recall them on those bland, white/grey winter days in Utah.  This year, I'll be dreaming of the rolling ocean underneath the paddleboard as I rowed.  Off to DC on the train.  I should be at my sister's by tonight.  Goodbye Newport.

I ran the Mt. Vernon Bike trail in Alexandria with my sister. Well, she rode her bike while I shuffled 10 miles along the Potomac. The miles slipped by as we had a very candid conversation about our very grown-up lives. Sometimes I'm afraid of my sister, and sometimes I can't believe how lucky I am to have her. This morning was the latter. I'm trying the Ice/Heat, special stretching, and rolling pin 'scraping' as suggested by Josse and Haynes, and taking it easy (so to speak). I had to take advantage of one last big-girl day, since the kids come this afternoon on a jet-plane, and my life resume to be what it is for now.  It's been a luxurious break, has it not?

I slept from 9 to 6:30.  I have not slept so many hours in a row for a long time.  I must be on vacation.  I ran down Russel Road to Old Town.  I don't like sidewalk running, but we had plans for the morning and I just needed to quickly get my (short) run finished.  My thigh (especially after yesteday's 10) took a long time to warm up. I hit the George Washington Masonic Temple and ran up and down the the stairs three times in a row(138 of them from the bottom).  Running up stairs fast is a great work out. Trying to run down them without tripping is another story.  When I got back, I was literally drenched in sweat.  I love the East Coast humidity.

I decided to take a hike today instead of run in an attempt to 'rest' my Piriformis/Bursitis/Iliopsoas Syndrome that has been bothering my hip/butt/thigh place for the past two weeks.  We hiked along the C&O canal/Potomac River up in Maryland on what is known as the "BillyGoat Trail."  It is a breathtaking wide and rushing clean river, surrounded by tall grey rock facecliffs, topped with lush greenery.  Although eating lunch on a cliff overlooking the Potomac was breathtaking, the hiking was not a good idea at all.  I was trying to 'rest' but the constant jarring of the rock jumping, climbing, and balancing aggravated the problem even more.  The ibuprofen isn't cutting it and I'm unsure where to ice (my butt or the front of my thigh?). Aside from wogging the next few days even less miles, I'm not sure what else to do but stop.  I think I need to see an orthopedic doc when I get home.   Hmmm.

I ran with Sarah (and Julia! for one mile).  Julia was running out in front of us giggling the whole way--a tiny red haired olympian running away from the mommies.  We did our easy Friday morning thing, and when I got back my Garmin read 6 miles.  I hardley believe that, but that's what it said.  My leg/hips etc felt so good all day.  I started some post-run amino acids and a few protein drinks this week. I think it's helping repair the damage.  I'm feeling stronger.

I wogged (more Wa than Ogg) along the Mt. Vernon trail with my sis.  It's right along the highway that leads to George Washington's home in Mt. Vernon.  But it is very lush compared to Utah, and runs parallel the Potomac. My original plan was to run my scheduled 17 miles with the locals (see ArgentineRocket).  But she is nursing a stress fracture and now I have this thing with my leg.... At least she has a good plan b to recover with all the bike riding and aqua jogging.  I thought maybe we could swing a bike ride.  But then I got really, really sick these past few days.  I either: a) don't ever want to go home to face my life again, and am having a psychosymatic episode or b) see a).